If graduates of Plateau Valley High School were upset that Travis Schweer snagged so many of scholarships, they didn’t show it, instead cheering robustly for the accomplished, grinning graduate.

Indeed, many of the 23 students who graduated Saturday morning had accomplished much in their high school careers, according to student and teacher speakers.

Students in the rural school were commended for their involvement in a wide array of activities, including Future Farmers of America, the school’s robotics team, student council and National Honor Society.

Valedictorian Rebecca Walton said the class had a rocky start because it was known through middle school and freshman year as being divisive.

“By sophomore year, we got it together,” she said. “All of us have not cared what other people think of us.”

Walton encouraged her fellow graduates to continue to be individual thinkers and to forge their own paths.

Jeff Jagoda, also valedictorian, said Plateau Valley is a great school and urged graduates to venture out into the world.

“I believe that all of us have great potential,” he said. “My wish for all of us is to use that potential to reach our dreams.”

Because of the school’s small graduating class, students put together a slide show with a photos of graduates from youngsters to their teens, accompanied by graduates’ favorite songs. Parents or family members escorted graduates to the school auditorium stage.

Teacher Ruth Shepardson choked up while delivering the keynote speech. She had collected photos throughout the year of students and attached inspirational meanings to them.

“This is your century, graduates,” she said in closing. “Take it and run as if your life depends on it.”